Output details

Serial FIB/SEM imaging for quantitative 3D assessment of the osteocyte lacuno-canalicular network

Significance of output:

Novel 3D imaging method for the assessment of the bone’s sub-cellular network, which is crucial for mechanobiological processes and hence, for bone health. This is for the first time that the bone’s sub-cellular network has been assessed quantitatively in a truly 3D fashion, comprising interconnected bone cells. As a novelty, this study allowed describing bi- and multiple furcations of cell protrusions, which will be included in future modeling studies describing bone cell signaling and mechanotransduction processes. Moreover, new morphometric measures have been introduced to quantify the bone’s sub-cellular network, going beyond standard bone morphometry on an organ and tissue level.